The government’s proposed national budget for 2026 was announced on October 15, and once again, it shows that students are not being prioritized. The proposal includes an increase in student financial support that is lower than the expected rise in living costs. In practice, this means students will receive less than 320 NOK more per month.
This is far from enough to cover rising living expenses. Many students are already struggling to make ends meet, and this modest adjustment will make it even harder to live on financial support alone. As a result, more and more students are becoming dependent on part-time jobs, which in turn impacts their studies, health, and social lives.
Sander Sjøblom, leader of the Executive Committee (AU) in the Inland Norway Students’ Union (StInn), strongly reacts to the proposal:
- We are deeply dissatisfied with the national budget. This proposal doesn’t even cover the rise in living costs, which is simply not good enough. It also goes against the promises made during the election campaign.
Mari Kristoffersen, Welfare and Learning Environment Policy Officer in the Executive Committee (AU), also expresses concern about the consequences of the government’s proposal:
– This is about more than just a few extra kroner per month. When student financial support falls behind inflation, more students are forced to work extra alongside their studies. This means less time for academics, a higher risk of dropping out, and increased pressure on mental health. This sends a poor signal for both student welfare and the quality of higher education.
A budget without improvements for students
During the election campaign, promises were made to improve living conditions for students, and earlier this year, there was broad parliamentary support for tying student financial support to the National Insurance Scheme's basic amount (G). Despite this, the figures show that student financial support is only set to increase by 2.1%, while workers can expect around 4.5% wage growth. This is even lower than the expected inflation rate of 2.2%.
The Inland Norway Students’ Union (StInn) supports the demand from the National Union of Students in Norway (NSO) to link student financial support to the National Insurance Scheme's basic amount (G). This would ensure that support is automatically adjusted in line with inflation and wage growth, preventing students’ finances from constantly lagging behind the rest of society.
StInn believes it is high time for the government to take the situation of students seriously and ensure financial support that students can actually live on.